Gregynog Festival joins REMA early music network

Gregynog Festival, the oldest classical music festival in Wales, has been invited to join the European Early Music Network, REMA.

The festival’s invitation is the first offered to a Welsh organisation, and only the third in the UK, following in the footsteps of the National Centre for Early Music and the European Union Baroque Orchestra.

Gregynog Festival’s artistic director Rhian Davies said: ‘We are delighted that Gregynog has been invited to join this prestigious network, confirmation of how the music business regards our reputation and curation.

‘2012 was a landmark season with artists including Jordi Savall, Giuliano Carmignola, Ottavio Dantone and Claudio Cavina, and I believe regular networking sessions with other European promoters and performers will be invaluable not only to me but to the curation of Gregynog Festival in the years to come.’

REMA was established in Ambronay, France in 2000. Up to 60 organisations in 20 European countries form REMA’s early music network, including organisations such as the Galway Early Music Festival, Centre de musique baroque de Versailles, Göttingen International Handel Festival and the Bach Chamber Music Festival. REMA aims to support and promote early music throughout Europe.

This year, Gregynog Festival will be celebrating its 80th anniversary. The theme for 2013 is ‘Great Britten’ marking the 100th birthday of the composer, with the first weekend focusing on work which inspired Britten including Purcell and Dowland.